EU Commission spokesperson says Sevcovic later to meet with EU envoys, EU Parliament members
TL;DR
EU Trade Commissioner Maros Šefčovič will meet with EU envoys and Parliament members to address U.S. trade tensions, following new U.S. tariffs that deviate from the 2024 agreement. The EU demands clarity and is coordinating a unified response to protect its economic interests.
EU Commission spokesperson says Sevcovic later to meet with EU envoys, EU Parliament members
EU Trade Commissioner Šefčovič to Engage in High-Level Meetings Amid Transatlantic Trade Tensions
European Trade Commissioner Maros Šefčovič is set to meet with EU envoys and Parliament members to address ongoing trade tensions with the United States, an EU spokesperson confirmed. The discussions follow recent developments in U.S. tariff policies, which have raised concerns about the stability of the EU-U.S. trade agreement reached in 2024.
The European Commission has emphasized that the U.S. must adhere to the terms of the existing agreement, which established a 15% tariff rate for most EU goods and allowed zero tariffs on specific products like aircraft. However, following a Supreme Court ruling that invalidated former President Donald Trump's global tariffs, the administration imposed new, across-the-board tariffs—initially 10%, later raised to 15%—sparking EU concerns about deviations from the agreed framework. The Commission has demanded "full clarity" on Washington's next steps, warning that unpredictable tariff adjustments undermine market confidence.
Šefčovič's meetings aim to coordinate the EU's unified response and explore diplomatic pathways to resolve the dispute. The Commission has already engaged in dialogue with U.S. officials, including Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, to reinforce the EU's position. An EU spokesperson noted that "all options are on the table" if negotiations fail to produce a satisfactory outcome.
The EU's firm stance reflects its commitment to preserving the balance of the 2024 trade deal, which saw the bloc agree to remove import duties on many U.S. goods in exchange for favorable tariff treatment. With transatlantic trade valued at over €1.5 trillion annually, any escalation risks disrupting supply chains and investor sentiment. Šefčovič's engagements signal the EU's intent to prioritize dialogue while safeguarding its economic interests in a rapidly evolving trade landscape.
The Business Standard; Reuters
